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31.07.2024 - 09:15 / gardencentreguide.co.uk / Garden Centre Guide
As the summer months arrive, temperatures rise, and gardens dry out more quickly. To ensure your garden remains fresh and healthy, a few smart watering tips are crucial. In this article, we share practical summer watering advice to help you care for your plants, even during the hottest days.
The timing of your watering routine is essential for maintaining a healthy garden. Watering in the early morning or late evening helps prevent evaporation caused by the heat of the day. This allows your plants ample time to absorb the water before the sun can cause it to evaporate. By being consistent with your watering schedule, you encourage plants to develop deeper roots, making them stronger and more resistant to drought.
Summer watering tips aren’t just about when you water but also how you water. Use drip systems or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots. These methods minimise waste and ensure that water penetrates deep into the soil, where it’s needed most. Avoid using sprinklers that distribute water superficially, leading to more evaporation.
Mulching is a simple yet effective way to retain moisture in the soil. By placing a layer of organic material, such as bark, straw, or leaves, around your plants, you reduce evaporation and keep the soil temperature stable. Mulch also helps to suppress weed growth, meaning your plants have less competition for water and nutrients.
Choose plants that thrive in summer conditions and group them according to their water needs. Xerophytes, like succulents and cacti, are excellent choices for dry summers. By grouping plants with similar water requirements, you can water more efficiently and avoid overwatering or underwatering specific plants.
Take advantage of rainwater to water your
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The Calathea is a much-loved houseplant, particularly admired for its stunning leaf patterns and vibrant colours. Although it’s sometimes seen as a demanding plant, it remains a favourite among many plant enthusiasts. Curious about the different varieties and how to care for them? In this article, we'll share our top 3 Calathea varieties and provide some useful care tips. We’ll also guide you on where to purchase these unique plants, which are fortunately available at most local garden centres!
Encountering a wasp nest on your property can be quite alarming. These nests, often built in hidden or hard-to-reach places, can pose a significant risk, especially if you or your family members have allergies to stings. A wasp nest is typically constructed from paper-like material that wasps create by chewing wood fibres mixed with their saliva. Knowing where these nests are most commonly found can help in planning an effective wasp nest removal strategy.
If you’ve spent any time on design TikTok, then you’ve surely come across interior designer and TikTok creator Julie Jones.
When summer's sweltering heat and humidity arrive, not everyone is blessed with the luxury of central air in their home. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your home cool during the long summer days.
A summer garden can be a source of joy and beauty, but maintaining it doesn't have to come at the expense of the environment. With the right approach, you can make your outdoor space both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable. In this article, we share practical tips for creating a summer garden that is not only a feast for the eyes but also kind to nature. From selecting the right plants to efficiently using water and energy, discover how simple adjustments can make a positive impact on your garden and the surrounding environment.
Extreme heat waves are stressful for almost every type of plant in your garden, from flowers and vegetables to shrubs and trees—but especially for container-grown plants.
While home gardeners are often plagued with too much sunshine during the dog days of summer, downpours are another thing to be concerned about.
Several years ago while shopping at a big-box store, I spotted this tote in the household-cleaning section. In addition to carrying cleaning supplies, it can be used as a shower caddy, but I envisioned it as a garden-tool tote—balanced, sturdy, comfortable to carry, and with holes in each compartment for drainage. I’ve used it for a few years now, switching tools as needed so that I’m always ready for the current job. Cleaning the tote in spring or fall is as easy as removing the tools and spraying it out with a hose.
The sunflower, known for its striking yellow bloom and impressive height, is a favourite plant in many gardens. Originally from North and South America, the sunflower has gained symbolic meaning over the years, often associated with sunshine, happiness, and loyalty. Caring for this beautiful plant is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to ensure your sunflower grows and blooms optimally.
The plants recommended in this article are very heat tolerant, but even the best-adapted plants need a little extra care when extreme heat strikes. Since heat can stress plants, and stress can lead to further problems, reducing that stress is paramount. Here are some ways to keep plants thriving through very high temperatures.
Plant Your Salad Greens Early: Tips for Growing Lettuce and Microgreens